Written by Bruce Spizer, with a healthy assist from Frank Daniels, Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records covers the all of the Beatles singles, albums and extended play discs issued in the U.K. from 1962 through 1970.

The book details how all of the recordings released by the group during that time were written, recorded and marketed in the U.K. — presented in the same style as Spizer’s previous critically-acclaimed books on the Beatles American record releases. In addition to discs with Parlophone labels, the book covers the Apple singles and albums manufactured and distributed by EMI, as well as the Fan Club Christmas discs and the Polydor releases of the group’s Hamburg recordings.

This book has it all.

444 pages plus a 24-page checklist. 9″ x 12″. Over 700 pictures, all in color or original black & white.

Available in Mono and Stereo covers (identical contents)

STEREO OR MONO EDITION: $69.98

HARDCOVER EDITION:

WHICH COVER? : Personalization?: Quantity:

Slipcase Edition

Signed & numbered. Limited to 400 stereo and 400 mono copies. You may request a particular number, but please be advised that many numbers have already been assigned. If the number you request is not available, you will receive the lowest available number. There are less than 60 Mono Slipcase Edition sets remaining and less than 150 Stereo Slipcase Edition sets remaining.

$90.00

SLIPCASE EDITION:

WHICH COVER? : Personalization and Desired Number : Quantity:

Collector’s edition

Comes with the slipcase, a poster, a limited edition Eric Cash print, a replica of a historic Beatles promotional card and a bookmark.

Signed & numbered. Limited to 200 stereo and 200 mono copies. You may request a particular number, but please be advised that many numbers have already been assigned. If you request a number that is not available, you will receive the lowest available number. The Mono Collector’s Edition is SOLD OUT. There are less than 50 Stereo Collector’s Edition sets remaining.

Bruce Spizer’s Beatles history books have been marvels of information for detail-obsessed fans like us. His latest, “The Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records” (also available online in the UK, Canada and Japan) is no exception. Steve Marinucci, Beatles ExaminerREAD FULL REVIEW

Book tells everything to know about Beatles on Parlophone Records

Steve Marinucci, Beatles Examiner, October 8, 2011

Bruce Spizer’s Beatles history books have been marvels of information for detail-obsessed fans like us. His latest, “The Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records” (also available online in the UK, Canada and Japan) is no exception.

Co-authored with Frank Daniels, it goes into the history of the Beatles on the label and features lots of detailed information, like extensive pictures of cover and label variations. Those variations aren’t surprising, as Spizer told us in an interview earlier this year, because the British have been known to tweak labels and covers. The pictures in the book also include albums, EPs and singles, ads, magazines with Beatles on the cover, album parodies and even a few bootlegs (including the “Get Back” bootleg that included a poster, press release and mailing label (with canceled stamps).

The book even includes a section on the history of the label, how the records were made and album covers and inner sleeves and a checklist.

There’s so much here it’s mindboggling. This and his other books belong to a select group of pivotal reference works that are musts for an essential Beatles library. “The Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records” fits in perfectly on the shelf with his other books.

One word of advice, though: Make sure you have a strong shelf. The weight and amount of information in them is staggering…

Spizer chronologically works his way through the 45 rpm singles, then the LPs, then the EPs and finally includes a section that covers a range of related topics, from histories of EMI and 33 1/3 rpm longplaying albums to trail-off area markings on vinyl LPs, the printing of labels, demo discs and Palophone’s sister EMI labels. For each recording you get the release history, quotes from reviews, interesting notes about how The Beatles wrote the song and created the recording in the studio, how the label promoted and marketed the record and, of course, this being Spizer, everything you could possibly want to know about all the different release variations.

If you’ve collected Spizer’s earlier efforts, you’ll definitely want this one. And if you’ve never delved into one of Spizer’s discographies, you might want to make this your first, as it covers the entire period from 1962 up through the breakup in 1970.

I don’t know of a better single-volume history of The Beatles’ recordings.

I’ll never forget my initial reaction to learning about Bruce Spizer’s book The Beatles Records on Vee-Jay: “Big deal”.

I mean, how much could be written about a label that cut and pasted barely a dozen songs into nearly as many compilations and configurations. Had the well really run dry on Beatles topics to explore?

Then I received the book as a gift. And found it really WAS a big deal ! Suffice it to say, the author’s research efforts set a new standard for Beatles scholars. Not only was the book chock full of new information and never before published images, but it was handsomely presented and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Spizer’s other books about the Beatles records on Capitol & Apple, as well as other related volumes maintained and at times exceeded that standard.

Fast forward to Spizer’s eighth and latest book Beatles For Sale On Parlophone Records. While previous books had a decidedly American take on the Beatles catalog (one that has made for great banter vs. the “purists” defending the UK catalog), this volume examines the home-field advantage British releases.

At a whopping 444 pages, no stone is left unturned. Singles, albums, and the decidedly UK favored “EP” (extended play) records are examined, as are certain export singles and issues of the pre-EMI Hamburg session material. As with the “US” themed books, rare titles such as the original unreleased Get Back album and the Christmas fan club album (here, titled From Then To You) are covered as well.

Before singing any further praises of the book content, in the interest of full disclosure it must be stated that I was among the proof-readers helping Bruce on this latest work, as was frequent Brunch contributor (and Beatlefan Magazine Executive Editor) Al Sussman. That little disclaimer out of the way – in the spirit of Bruce’s “other” life as a tax lawyer – let’s continue.

As with previous outings, a well-placed foreword has been secured, this time from NEMS and Apple associate Tony Bramwell. Beatles press agent Tony Barrow gets in on the fun, too, with an endorsement (shall we say) quite reminiscent of his liner notes found on the rear sleeve of 1963’s The Beatles Hits EP.

That the volume is profusely illustrated with label & sleeve images will come as no surprise to readers of Spizer’s previous books; this time around, artist Eric Cash has been enlisted to flesh out the work with some brilliant and unique images.

Once again, Spizer has managed to balance the minutia necessitated by collectors, insights treasured by fans, and aesthetics demanded by more casual readers. While not intended to be a cover to cover excursion, the book is nicely segmented among formats (singles, albums, EP’s, etc) and by individual release within the respective sessions. Even die-hards and “well-read” Beatle fans will find something new to revel in here – for me, it was the examinations of the off-the-beaten-path material such as the Christmas Album and even the Collection of Beatles Oldies compilation from the mid-sixties.

Set for publication on October 5, 2011 (the 49th anniversary of the Beatles first EMI single “Love Me Do” c/w “P.S. I Love You”, advance copies will be available at the Chicago Fest For Beatles Fans in August.
List price of the book is $70 (only a bit steeper than previous editions, but quite reasonable given the over-sized content). Bearing the Beatles For Sale sleeve on the cover, it is available in both “mono” and “stereo” editions. Yes, you read that right, and NO it does NOT mean one covers the stereo versions and one covers the mono versions of the records. It’s just a slightly alternate cover. The content of the books is identical. Me, I’m a mono guy.

As with previous volumes, certain “extras” are available, catering to the collector. A sturdy slip case is available for an extra $20 (highly recommended, given the size and weight of the book), which handsomely presents the “Paperback Writer” label on the front and red “Please Please Me” single on the rear. Beyond that, a deluxe edition is available for $150, which includes the slipcase, as well as a 2-page fold out poster of the Parlophone LP and EP sleeves, a custom bookmark, an 8 ½ x 11” portrait by Eric Cash depicting a scene from the “Hey Jude” promotional clip, and a two-sided “Penny Lane” / “Strawberry Fields Forever” advert, as depicted in the book.

Spizer’s books have become highly treasured volumes by Beatles fans worldwide, and this volume will no doubt be prized as well. As the books are produced in fixed quantities, once they’re gone, they’re gone. Sold out editions (like the Vee-Jay book) command several hundred dollars – when you can find them – on Ebay and collectors sites. As this volume is more comprehensive, covering the entirety of the Beatles active recording career (1962-1970) it makes for a “must have” on your Beatles bookshelf.

Review by Tom Frangione for Joe Johnson’s BeatleBrunch

Having information from his previous books available in ONE book alone makes Bruce Spizer’s, “Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records” a vital addition to any Beatles library. At 444 pages (plus the insert), this could be the most important book documenting Beatles’ records. Ear Candy MagazineREAD FULL REVIEW

Bruce Spizer is one of the foremost Beatles authors when it comes to the subject of Beatles record releases in the US. His seven books, (“The Beatles Records on Vee-Jay”, “The Beatle’s Story on Capitol Records” – parts 1 & 2, “The Beatles on Apple Records”, “The Beatles Are Coming!”, “The Beatles Solo on Apple Records”, “The Beatles Swan Song”) have set the bar for almost obsessive accuracy in research, leaving no minutia uncovered. Most of Spizer’s previous books have concentrated on US releases, be it Vee Jay, Capitol, Swan, etc. With his 8th book, “Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records”, he comes full circle. Now the concentration is on the UK releases: 45 rpm singles, extended play records, and albums. This book is probably Spizer’s most important book, Since the UK releases were truly “as nature intended” and the only officially sanctioned Beatles records.

As in his previous books, the same format is followed: release dates, label variations (including photos), recording dates and the stories behind the songs, and chart performances. Also included is a portable 25-page checklist of all UK Beatles records with all label variations listed. In Spizer’s attention to detail, the aborted “Yellow Submarine” EP is discussed in the EP section, along with a computer-generated “what if” cover. Finally, there is a section covering the history of EMI, including the manufacture of 33-1/3 long playing albums, 45-rpm singles, and the labels themselves.

As some of the stories are repeats from previous Spizer books, there are inevitable, but necessary repeats. But there is enough Beatles minutia to keep even the most rabid fan satisfied. My enjoyment was finding stories & facts (mostly about the album covers) not previously mentioned, such as:

The orange blog on the cover of “Beatles For Sale” is actually Tony Bramwell’s hand – as he was holding back tree branches for the photo shoot.
The back photo on “Beatles For Sale” is not a simple picture – The Beatles image was cropped and superimposed over a background of leaves.
The “Help” cover wasn’t shot on location for the movie – but rather it was taken at Twickenham Film Studios on a specially constructed platform.
Part of the “Rubber Soul” cover was airbrushed to hide a loose thread on John’s jacket. However, the untouched photo still made the cover of some releases, such as Argentina!
And then there are the photos! Those familiar with Spizer’s Beatle tomes have come to expect the full-color pictures (many of them unseen in color before). While some of the photos are again the inevitable repeats, there are a few new ones, such as the previously mentioned “Rubber Soul” original cover; Paul’s original lyric sheet for “Lovely Rita”; The Russian “Sgt. Pepper” complete with a Russian-ized drum and the added Beatles fan in the crowd (actually, the owner of the Russian Anfon label, Andre Tropillo); and the cover of “Disc and Music Echo” showing an alternate “Butcher” shot. New is the superb artwork of Eric Cash (ericcashillustration.com) and his excellent renderings of the Beatles.

Having information from his previous books available in ONE book alone makes Bruce Spizer’s, “Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records” a vital addition to any Beatles library. At 444 pages (plus the insert), this could be the most important book documenting Beatles’ records.

Think you know everything about The Beatles? Although countless books have chronicled virtually every aspect of the Fab Four’s careers, author Bruce Spizer constantly impresses with
his thorough research into lesser-known areas of their history. From the group’s beginnings on such small American labels as Swan and Vee-Jay to an in-depth look at the 1963-1964 US Beatlemania marketing campaign, Spizer researches particular, previously hidden corners of the Beatles’ story. His newest book, Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records (co-written with Beatles historian Frank Daniels), thoroughly examines the UK album, EP, and single releases, which can be a source of confusion for those accustomed to the American releases. While some information may be overly technical for some fans, the “behind the scenes” stories of the Beatles’ vast music catalog should interest all Fab Four enthusiasts.

Covering 1962-1970, Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records actually comprises two books in one, and Spizer’s introduction promotes that concept. Those who want the behind-the-scenes stories of how certain songs were written and recorded will want to read relevant parts of each section: “45 RPM Singles,” “Long-Playing Albums,” “EPs,” and “An EMI Recording,”
which details the history of Parlophone/EMI. Tidbits include revealing the song on which Lennon based “I Feel Fine’s” guitar lick, the origins of that orange smudge on the bottom of the Beatles for Sale album cover, and how “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” was written and recorded. While Spizer does not detail every difference between British and American releases-that would constitute its own book-he does clarify how each UK album was carefully designed and compiled. Ever wonder about the history of the Fan Club Christmas Records? These are covered here, too. Why was “Strawberry Fields Forever” not included on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band? Spizer addresses that question and many more. Rare photos of the group, original advertisements, and other ephemera grace the pages.

The second book that inhabits this tome is intended for hard-core record collectors. Numerous full-color photos illustrate how the Parlophone/EMI (and later Apple Corps) labels differ from one another. Every color, misspelling, logo, number-Spizer chronicles every label variation imaginable. Researcher Daniels helped compile the data, which serves as essential information for anyone interested in owning every LP, EP, and 45 possible. As Spizer notes in his introduction, he realizes that not all Beatles fans will find these parts of the book fascinating. Therefore he recommends skipping those sections, although record collectors should find the photos, lists, and descriptions of various labels invaluable. However, it is not necessary to read those “hard-core” sections to enjoy Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records.

Accompanying the book is a glossy booklet entitled Check List and Valued Vendors, tucked into a replica of a 45 sleeve. Again, this version on an appendix should appeal mainly to collectors, as it lists catalog numbers, pressings, and other highly technical statistics.

While Spizer’s books can be expensive?$70 or so-their abundance of information make them essential additions for any Beatle fan’s library. Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records continues his pattern for producing painstakingly researched and designed reference tools for intermediate to advanced hobbyists. Like Mark Lewisohn, Spizer has deservedly earned the reputation for being a top Beatles historian and a trusted resource. His latest book follows in this tradition, and is well worth the price.

Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records will be published October 5, 2011, but pre-orders are accepted at Spizer’s website. The hardcover book is also available in two limited editions: the slipcase edition, which is numbered and includes the author’s autograph; and the collector’s edition, which includes the slipcase, a poster, replica of a vintage Beatles promotional card, a bookmark, and a limited edition print.

August 12, 2011

Serious Beatle record collectors will undoubtedly have at least one of Bruce Spizer’s books on their shelves, which have delved into the history of The Beatles on the Vee Jay, Swan, Capitol and Apple record labels (in addition to his definitive account of The Beatles’ arrival in America, in “The Beatles Are Coming!”). Even noncollectors can enjoy his beautifully printed books, as they contain a wealth of information on how the records were packaged and marketed, along with interviews and numerous illustrations. – Gillian G. Gaar Goldmine MagazineREAD FULL REVIEW

Spizer had thought that “The Beatles Swan Song” (released in 2007) would be his last book. Instead, he’s getting ready to publish another one, “Beatles For Sale on Parlophone,” written in collaboration with Frank Daniels (whose “Price Guide For The Beatles American Records” was published in 2007 by Spizer’s company, 498 Productions).

It marks the first time Spizer has looked at The Beatles’ U.K. recording history. “I always assumed that someone else would do a comprehensive Beatles U.K. records book,” he explains. “At least two different people at prior Beatlefests told me they were working on a U.K. book in my style, but they apparently gave up once they realized what was involved. I still had no plans to do a book until Frank Daniels sent me an e-mail to discuss doing something together. Frank had already compiled rough images and data about what records were out there, and realizing that his assistance would make the project less burdensome, I agreed to once again take up the mantle.”

“This is a massive undertaking,” Spizer adds, with no exaggeration. Covering the U.K. records pressed by EMI incorporates not just the 22 singles released in the U.K., but also those pressed for export sale; an extensive section on EPs (including two that were never issued); the 13 U.K. albums (including the two unreleased “Get Back” albums) and export albums; and the Christmas album. along with the fan club discs. No surprise then that book runs to 444 pages.

“I did not realize how many label variations there were,” Spizer says. “EMI seemed to redo the labels every time they ran out. It was not a case of using the same typesetting each time. It seems like the boys in the print shop kept tweaking the label every time new ones were needed. There were also changes in label styles and perimeter print. I also learned a lot from U.K. trade magazines and from interviewing people. I tracked down a man who worked at EMI’s Hayes factory starting in the mid-’50s until the plant was sold by EMI. He was most helpful. I also learned some fun stories about the music and how it was marketed. No matter how much someone knows about The Beatles, he or she will learn new things from the book.”

Given that the titles of Spizer’s other books have drawn on Beatles record titles, “Beatles For Sale on Parlophone” was a natural fit. Though Spizer’s own record collection had concentrated on U.S. and Canadian records, his work on this project has led to some changes. “My U.K. collection has grown from about a dozen discs to a few hundred in the time I started the book less than a year ago!” he says. “This book will give other collectors the confidence to start collecting the U.K. records.”

Spizer hopes to have books ready in August, for Chicago’s Fest For Beatle Fans and Liverpool’s International Beatles Week. Then, a much-needed break will be in order.”

“This could even be my last book,” he says. But Spizer’s fans shouldn’t despair, for he quickly goes on admit, “My last book, ‘The Beatles Swan Song,’ was supposed to be my ‘swan song’ as an author. So as in the title to that James Bond film, never say never again!”

When it comes to Beatles books, there’s no shortage of supply, no matter what your level of interest.

For the typical Beatles fan, there are compendiums like the Beatles Anthology. For serious Fab Four devotees, there are lovingly researched tomes like Mark Lewisohn’s Recording Sessions and Andy Babiuk’s Beatles Gear.

For the rest of us obsessives, there is Bruce Spizer and his canon of books devoted to minutiae about the group’s records. A lawyer by trade, Spizer pursues his love of all things Beatles with an exhaustive — some might say compulsive — level of research and analysis.

Beginning with The Beatles Records on Vee-Jay in 1998, Spizer has written six volumes that document the group’s group and solo releases, detailing not only the making of the songs and albums but also minor variations in sleeve and label printings from one pressing factory to another. He also tackled Beatlemania in The Beatles Are Coming, in which he documented, in typical exacting detail, the recordings, performances and behind-the-scenes deals surrounding the group’s American breakthrough.

Now comes the latest — and reportedly last — book in Spizer’s series: the 444-page Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records, which covers all of the Fab Four’s singles, albums and extended-play discs issued in the U.K. from 1962 through 1970.

Spizer and co-author Frank Daniels go even further than the title states by including details about the group’s Apple albums and singles, Fan Club Christmas discs (the Beatles issued a holiday “greeting” through the club every year from 1963 through 1969) and Polydor releases of their Hamburg-era recordings.

As you might guess given Spizer’s previous books, the depth of information is satisfyingly comprehensive. In addition to telling the stories behind the songs and albums, Spizer and Daniels explain how the records are mastered and manufactured, how they were marketed and how they performed on the British radio and record charts.

But the real treat here is in the pictures. As with his other publications, Spizer has richly illustrated the new volume with hundreds of color and black-and-white photos. There are the requisite shots of album covers and sleeves of 45s and EPs. But the real eye candy here is the pictures of rare promotional materials that EMI used in its publicity efforts, reminders of the marketing machinery behind the Beatles’ pop-culture juggernaut.

The Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records will be released October 5 and is available now for preorder from Beatle.net. The book is offered in three versions: book only ($70), a signed and numbered slipcase edition ($90), and a collector’s edition ($150) with slipcase, poster, limited-edition print, a replica of a historic Beatles promotional card and a bookmark. The book itself features the cover of the group’s 1964 Beatles for Sale album, and you can choose between “stereo” and “mono” versions (the contents is the same).

Beatles fanatics, take note: the mono versions are outselling the stereo versions. Get yours while they last.

Christopher Scapelliti is the executive editor of Guitar World magazine and managing editor of Guitar Aficionado.

Page 86, fourth full paragraph, first sentence: Paul got the idea for Lady Madonna from a photo in a magazine depicting a woman and baby with the caption “Mountain madonna” (almost certainly the January 1965 National Geographic, pages 58 –59, which shows a woman of Maloyo-Polynesian origin residing in Viet Nam with the caption “Mountain Madonna, with one child at her breast.”). Read more in this short article by Frank Daniels

Paul McCartney has discussed the composition of this famous Beatles song on several occasions. As we report in Beatles for Sale on Parlophone Records, he borrowed the piano work from “Bad Penny Blues,” a Humphrey Lyttleton song. Where did he get the inspiration for the lyrics?

“I was looking through this African magazine when I saw this African Lady with a baby. And underneath the picture it said ‘Mountain Madonna’. But I said, oh no, LADY Madonna… and I wrote the song.” through Richie Havens in A Hard Day’s Write Havens recalled it slightly differently in July, 2002:

“He said, “I was reading one of those National Geographic magazines, and I saw an African woman with a baby, and it said, ‘Mountain Madonna,’ so I just changed the name.””

For years, no one has produced the source magazine. This was likely due to the fact that Paul had misidentified the woman as African. In fact, she was Malayo-Polynesian. The story was not about the woman at all. Instead, the author — photographer Howard Sochurek — was following American soldiers around Vietnam. The article indicates what those American servicemen saw and did in a nation at war. When they encountered the “mountain madonna,” the author indicated (via a caption, see below) that her people’s way of life was now being intruded upon by refugees from the Vietnamese lowlands. Out of the article, Paul was struck by the most human elements. Noticing the woman, he wondered how she was able to run a family and live her life.Â So, the mountain madonna became “Lady Madonna.”

All of these books are truly a must for any Beatles fan.I have two of each so I can pass these on to both of my sons.I have met Bruce Spizer at the Fest for Beatles Fans and he has signed all of the books I have purchased from him.Bruce is a great guy and I always enjoy talking with him.Keep up the great work and keep those Beatles books coming for I will buy everyone.Thank you from one Beatles fan to another. Brian

If the mono cover is indeed more popular it will probably be due to the fact that most people buying original copies of the vinyl LP in the mid-1960s will have bought the mono issue. It’s a nice touch to have both available though. I wonder which one we’ll get at outlets here in GB as I see no sign of a choice yet, nor any mention of signed copies.

Great to hear you’re back Bruce, with another smashing – fab – swinging book. Finally I will be able to put some extra order in my UK collection and realize what I have and what I don’t!. Thanks for your love and care with the books. They are highly appreciated.
By the way, I forgot to ask for personalize the book before ordering, but as always I would love to, please sign my copy to Pedro in Peru.
Paul was here last month for the first time. Amazing experience. Beatlemania at the top.
Un abrazo
pedro

Your books are really amazing labors of love! To complete my collection, I will be ordering the Parlophone book and asking for the personalized autograph. Hope to see you at the Washington Abbey Road on the River.

Bruce……The content inside your new book is the same, regardless of the cover??? What do you mean by a stereo cover or a mono cover?

Thanks…Al

P.S. You will probably not remember, but I had written you about the Vee Jay book….well, I finally found a copy…it was a bit more than you had charged when it first came out….actually, a LOT more, but it was worth it.

THIS is the one I’ve been waiting for. Let me make this clear: I have your other books, and love them, but the EMI releases are the way the Beatles assembled 45s/EPs/LPs. Bought the $150 version…(wasn’t going to, but my wife talked me into it [god love her].)

Congrats Bruce on another masterpiece. I have met you a few times at the Jersey Beatlefest and spoke
to you on the phone when I ordered your latest. You work in this field of Beatle research seems to be
unsurpassed. I have the collectors edition of all the other books; signed & # 32. I hope there will be
more for you to write about the Beatles. Your pen must not go cold.

Bruce is the best. I have all of his books and can’t wait to see the new one in a couple weeks at the Chicago “Fest for Beatles Fans”! As a second generation Beatles fan, I particularly love the “Beatles on Apple” and the “Solo Beatles on Apple”. All the best Bruce and good luck with the new book!

I’m counting the days until delivery of your new book. I’m a second generation Beatles fan as well, and fortunately had the good sense to purchase the Vee-Jay and collector’s edition Capitol set (within mere days of it selling out!). I’m a purist at heart, and the UK Parlophone releases are finally being given the in-depth recognition they deserve. No doubt there will be heightened interest among collectors for this cherished vinyl from “across the pond”.

I’m really looking forward to another detailed (and I mean DETAILED) analysis of this important segment of Beatles vinyl.

Bruce- hello, again. Just a quick note, as it pertains to your new book about the Parlophone releases; although there will be a Mono cover and a Stereo cover for this book, the contents will be identical. Therefore, I will be ordering one copy of each. They will go perfectly along with the other books you wrote about the Vee-Jay, Capitol, Apple and Swan records. Once the Parlophone book is released, will you consider writing another book about Beatles records? This time, the next volume should be about Beatles singles, EPs and albums from foreign countries that were released outside of Great Britain and North America. Every non-British and non-American record should be covered. just a thought

The wait is finally over. In a way it was like waiting for the new Beatles album … Our copy of Bruce’s new masterpiece “Beatles For Sale On Parlophone Records” was just delivered hot off the presses. It is yet another incredible, extensive work in the Spizer catalog. Exhaustively researched and all the images are fab. Bruce and Frank should be commended. The Slipcase is beautifully designed and is a must to make this set complete !
Thomas Vanghele
Fab 4 Collectibles
New York City

Yesterday, I arrived home from a long day at the office to find my ‘Parlophone’ book had arrived! As usual Mr. Spizer delivered. The presentation is beautiful and the attention to detail amazing. I own all of the Spizer books on the Beatles and consider them works of art. They sit high upon my Beatles shelf! Keep ’em coming, Bruce!

Hi Bruce – The new book arrived in the mail yesterday (Monday) and my reaction upon opening it was the same as with all of your previous Beatle Books…WOW! Truly awesome! A wonderful, beautiful, extraordinary addition to my Beatle collection. I have all your previous books–each one a limited edition, slipcased, inscribed and numbered copy and I treasure each one. Thank you again for providing a truly remarkable book for all us Beatle fans! I am 68 years old, bought my first Beatle record in 1963 (still have it)–and, it appears I will go to my grave a life-long Beatle fan. Your books have made the journey that more enjoyable, and I am already looking fowrard to your next book. Kudos to you and Frank Daniels, and again…thank you, thank you, thank you! Best “Beatle” wishes!
Larry

I received the Parlophone book yesterday, and you did it again – this book is just as wonderful as the previous ones. I had a hunch that SWAN SONG was not going to be your swan song – you love writing about The Beatles too much to stay away long. Looking forward to the next one – perhaps one covering the post-1970 British albums, the international releases different from the ones in the U.K. and North America, and maybe someday you can delve into the post-Apple solo careers (GEORGE HARRISON ON DARK HORSE would be a good start). And keep pushing Capitol to release THE CAPITOL ALBUMS VOL. 3 and VOL. 4!

Mine arrived yesterday, too. I immediately paged through the book from start to finish. Looks great to me. Finally after reading all the comments, here’s #5 from someone who actually received the book. I appreciate that you got these out so fast. Receiving it made my day. I’d like to give a huge shout out to Frank Daniels, too. I don’t want to forget that there are two authors’ names on the cover.

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce…what can I say, you’ve done it again! I learned something new… one of your details, about the loose thread on John’s jacket on the Rubber Soul Lp cover. You outdid yourself with the Parlophone book. Can’t wait for your next book. GREAT JOB.

I enjoyed the Beatles USA editions more; they’re more colorful. But that’s no one’s fault; many of the British Singles did not come with picture sleeves, and all the record labels are that ugly black Parlophone label with the hideous green sleeves. And, out of necessity, some of the info in the USA editions is/are duplicated in the Parlophone book.

What I’m going to enjoy as I get into the Parlophone book more will be the info towards the end of the book such as the History of Parlophone, the subject of contract pressings, Parlophone around the world, Parlophone label variations, history of EMI,and I’m sure the section on Beatles EPs will provide some additional details in terms of marketing, why songs on EPs were chosen for EPs, etc. So while I’ve already seen half the info in this book in the USA books, this Parlophone book will give me a look how at the British Record Business operated. It’s a good book, although I don’t find it absolutely necessary, but in spite of that, I’m glad I’ve got it.

After a long weekend at Target I was hoping for a little sleep, but I don’t mind staying up listening to the collection and reading this massive piece of work. Congratulations to you and Frank. Hope to see you in Jersey ’12.

I received my copy on Monday and all I can say is WOW! I flipped through it that night and I am truly impressed.
Some questions I had regarding some EPs I own have already been answered. I can’t wait to read it cover to cover and show other record collectors.
Great job and thank you!

Got mine Monday and I’m trying to pace myself on reading it in order to savor all the trademark Spizer goodness. As a second-generation Beatles fan I really appreciate all the little details and amazing photographs that bring the original Beatles era to life.

Got my copy on Monday. The postal system was pretty hard on it during delivery. Several dings to the corners. But, those will not detract from my enjoyment of the contents of the book. With your eye for detail and Frank Daniels’ knowledge of Beatles records, this book is an absolute must have for collectors. If this is indeed your last book, you are going out with a bang! Thank you for the inredible job you and Frank did on a subject that has been surprisingly overlooked for years.

Beautiful book! I was so happy to hear Bruce was going to be doing this book (and also a big thank you to Frank Daniels). I wish every author would put in the time and effort to do such an excellent job. The quality is outstanding.

If you don’t have any other books; by Bruce, your missing out. Get them now!!!

My copy arrived today! Happiness is a big 400+ page Beatles book (not a warm gun). Although I could see where one may come in handy. I have noticed the paper quality isn’t the same as in the other books, possibly due to the printers. Not a criticism, just an observation. Still, it’s a fantastic achievement. Can’t wait to see what you’ll cover next. Any ideas??

Bruce here to comment on the paper used for the Parlophone book. We decided to use a slightly thinner stock of paper due to the book’s 444 pages. We were concerned that the thick paper used on the previous books would increase the Parlophone book’s wieght and thickness to numbers we were not comfortable with. After reviewing sample books with varying paper stocks, we decided on paper that was only slightly thinner.The alternative would have been to make this a two-book set, which I did not want to do. I thought it better to get the material in one $70 book rather than in two $50 books.

I am glad you and others are enjoying the book. As for what’s next, I need a break!!!

Totally agree with the one book idea. It’s nice to see all the different aspects of UK Beatles issues covered in one volume. I had no idea there were that many printing variations on the labels. And again, the paper stock wasn’t a criticism.

Everytime I get one of Mr. Spizers books in the slipcase edition, I recall the words spoken by Lord Howard Carter as he peered into Tutankhamun’s tomb for the first time and exclaimed “I see wonderful things”.
My copy of “Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records” (#35/400) is just that!! Another Beatles treasure.

As the Beatles eclipsed all expectations of Singing and Songwriting, Mr. Spizer continues to eclipse research expectations, producing yet another must-have, beautifully-done, resource Book on original Beatle Records. Good Job Bruce!

Just recieved my slipcase edition this morning (10am UK time).it’s now 3.15pm & I’m only up to page56. So much information to devour!I have all your other books & I have to say that being English this one looks to be the best.
Thanks for another wonderful book.

What a FANTASTIC JOB you both did on this latest volume of work. I expected nothing less than what you done in the past, Bruce.
You’ve exceeded with Mr. Daniels assistant to produce yet another EXCEPTIONAL BOOK that I am PROUD to display in my library.

Thank you both to another INVALUABLE addition to my BEATLES LIBRARY !!!!!

I have received my Collector’s Edition Mono Cover (#129/200) and really I have remained amazed by the quality of information, the care that you have put in every section and the detail of each item that comes with this edition (poster, bookmark, limited edition Eric Cash print, etc); when you start reading it you can’t stop to enrich your knowledge, are 444 pages full of invaluable information and that show us the real behind the scenes of every Beatles record.

Bruce, I have all your books, from ” The Beatles Records On VeeJay “, the books about Capitol Record, SWAN Record, Apple Record, etc and I could not fail to have this gem in my Beatles Library. I am very proud to have a book like this.

Limited edition Stereo arrived today and it is wonderful! I was thinking, maybe he should now do ALL the UK Apple releases and there they are. Well The Fab fours anyway ! But that’s an idea for the future Bruce eh? This is very detailed and I’ll be scouring my record collection in minute detail to see if I have that elusive gem. What a superb tome. Well worth the wait. I’ll be the envy of all the Beatles afficionados here in Perth, Western Australia. This combined with my other fantastic book from Joachim Noske pretty much covers everything and anything I could wish to know about the Fab4. Cheers mate !

I just received my copy (stereo cover) yesterday. This is a truly encyclopedic work of art. I was completely unsurprised that, while the book is devoted to Parlophone issues, Mr. Spizer also included representations of the Capitol albums derived from the Parlophone albums. That was a nice touch, and a very completist one.

It was also nice to see the Parlophone issues of Capitol albums, intended for other foreign markets; that in itself should put to rest the story that George Martin and/or The Beatles somehow disapproved of or otherwise protested the packaging and marketing of Capitol Beatles albums.

Thank you, Messrs Spizer and Daniels. This book is amazing. I was also very happy to read the back cover testimonial by Tony Barrow. That it meets the approval of so legendary a figure in The Beatles’ history is a wonderful boost.

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“The Beatles Are Coming! is a thoroughly researched and entertaining account of the group’s first U.S. visit, full of interesting and little known stories about how the Beatles caught on in America.”
—Walter Cronkite

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